A 5-2 win today prevented USF from falling to 4-8 in the Big East, instead standing at 5-7, 1 game behind eighth place Villanova.
In order to stay alive for the postseason, the USF bullpen, which blew a 13-4 eighth inning lead on Saturday, has to shake away its doubts and improve.
Good to see some consistency from the USF offense.
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Bethune Cookman- USF live
Wildcats and Bulls are about to begin part two of their two game home-and-home series.
Couple of questions for this one:
Can USF be consistent and continue to play offensively like it did last night against UCF?
Who good is Bethune Cookman's pitching? On paper, its four top starters all have winning records and ERA's under 5.00
First pitch has been delayed until 7.45 P.M
Couple of questions for this one:
Can USF be consistent and continue to play offensively like it did last night against UCF?
Who good is Bethune Cookman's pitching? On paper, its four top starters all have winning records and ERA's under 5.00
First pitch has been delayed until 7.45 P.M
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Georgetown 8-USF 7. Final.
The Bulls let another one slip away, and the Hoyas are back in the Big East hunt.
Strong points of the weekend:
USF's top of the order.
Geotrgetown's amazing resiliency.
Low points:
USF Bullpen
Strong points of the weekend:
USF's top of the order.
Geotrgetown's amazing resiliency.
Low points:
USF Bullpen
Georgetown 8-USF 7. Bottom 9th
pinch hitters Junior Carlin, Trey Manz and right fielder Mike Consolmagno are scheduled to come to bat in the bottom of the ninth.
Jack Bender is closing for the Hoyas.
Carlin just walked and the fans in the stadium are getting excited.
Jack Bender is closing for the Hoyas.
Carlin just walked and the fans in the stadium are getting excited.
Unbelievable game. Georgetown 8-USF 7. Top 9th
USF was up 7-1 in the top of the seventh. Georgetown then goes on to score seven runs in the next two innings, including five in the eighth.
The Bulls are 4-4 in the Big East, Georgetown is 2-7.
USF had a runner in scoring position in the bottom of the inning, but Smith's line drive went right to the shortstop who tagged out Angelberger to end the inning.
The Bulls are 4-4 in the Big East, Georgetown is 2-7.
USF had a runner in scoring position in the bottom of the inning, but Smith's line drive went right to the shortstop who tagged out Angelberger to end the inning.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Georgetown beats USF with explosive 7th inning
If this series against Georgetown is a test of whether USF is a contender or a pretender, the Bulls failed the second test of the weekend as they allowed all six runs from the Hoyas in the top of the 7th inning.
Coach Prado is out because of the flu and was replaced by Assistant Coach Lazer Collazzo. Nobody knows if he will be ready to go on Sunday.
Tomorrow's series finale starts at 1 o'clock at Red McEwen Field, and the Bulls need to win it if they don't want to fall under .500 for the first time since they were 3-5
Coach Prado is out because of the flu and was replaced by Assistant Coach Lazer Collazzo. Nobody knows if he will be ready to go on Sunday.
Tomorrow's series finale starts at 1 o'clock at Red McEwen Field, and the Bulls need to win it if they don't want to fall under .500 for the first time since they were 3-5
Devin Hester talks about his cousin, USF receiver Jessie Hester Jr.
The first USF spring football scrimmage on Saturday was sort of a hot spot for NFL players — both current and future. Two former Bulls — Mike Jenkins, who was wearing a Denver Broncos beanie hat and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry were seen watching.
Another NFL player — Chicago Bears return specialist Devin Hester, cousin of USF junior wide receiver Jesse Hester Jr. — was also seen watching the action. Hester took time to answer some questions for The Oracle.
Oracle: What is it like to watch your cousin playing Big East football?
Devin Hester: I'm just glad to see him out there. First of all, you've got to thank God for putting him in the situation that he's in now. A lot of kids don't get the opportunity to play in high school, and he's out there playing college football. I just hope that God continues to keep blessing him and hopefully, one day, he's out there with me.
O: Did you see his game-winning catch against Auburn?
DH: Yeah, I did. It was great to have somebody else have the ability to go out and do the things that you hope for kids to do.
O: How much progress have you seen from Jesse during his USF career?
DH: I'm just glad that he's making plays right now. He's getting better each year, and hopefully, by the time he's ready to go to the (National Football) League, he'll be ready to compete at the highest level.
-Joe Rienzi
Another NFL player — Chicago Bears return specialist Devin Hester, cousin of USF junior wide receiver Jesse Hester Jr. — was also seen watching the action. Hester took time to answer some questions for The Oracle.
Oracle: What is it like to watch your cousin playing Big East football?
Devin Hester: I'm just glad to see him out there. First of all, you've got to thank God for putting him in the situation that he's in now. A lot of kids don't get the opportunity to play in high school, and he's out there playing college football. I just hope that God continues to keep blessing him and hopefully, one day, he's out there with me.
O: Did you see his game-winning catch against Auburn?
DH: Yeah, I did. It was great to have somebody else have the ability to go out and do the things that you hope for kids to do.
O: How much progress have you seen from Jesse during his USF career?
DH: I'm just glad that he's making plays right now. He's getting better each year, and hopefully, by the time he's ready to go to the (National Football) League, he'll be ready to compete at the highest level.
-Joe Rienzi
Bulls have first scrimmage of spring
An estimated crowd of about 250 people — mostly family and recent signees — gathered to watch the first scrimmage of the Bulls 2008 football season.
The most obvious positive for the Bulls was the defense, which produced five turnovers and blocked two field goal attempts.
"The defense was good," Bulls coach Jim Leavitt said. "It's not good for the offense."
The first-team defense seemed to be ready to play, as they forced a Mike Ford fumble which was returned for touchdown, blocked a Delbert Alvarado field goal attempt, and intercepted quarterback Matt Grothe twice (cornerback Jerome Murphy and strong safety Carlton Williams made the picks).
"That's one thing we're always stressing is turnovers," defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said. "The only real negative I saw today was that we gave up too many long passes."
Grothe finished the day 10-of-15 for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 23-yard pass to sophomore A.J. Love. Senior quarterback Grant Gregory — who was 12-of -14 on the day, connected on a 53-yard pass to Sophomore Dontavia Bogan. He was also the only quarterback out of the three who participated that did not turn the ball over.
"I didn't think we made real good decisions at quarterback. Those turnovers didn't have to happen," Leavitt said. "I'd have to say that Grant played better than Matt today. I don't think there's any question."
For more on Saturday's scrimmage, check out Monday's edition of The Oracle — which was voted the best university daily newspaper at Saturday's Society of Professional Journalists Awards.
-Joe Rienzi
The most obvious positive for the Bulls was the defense, which produced five turnovers and blocked two field goal attempts.
"The defense was good," Bulls coach Jim Leavitt said. "It's not good for the offense."
The first-team defense seemed to be ready to play, as they forced a Mike Ford fumble which was returned for touchdown, blocked a Delbert Alvarado field goal attempt, and intercepted quarterback Matt Grothe twice (cornerback Jerome Murphy and strong safety Carlton Williams made the picks).
"That's one thing we're always stressing is turnovers," defensive coordinator Wally Burnham said. "The only real negative I saw today was that we gave up too many long passes."
Grothe finished the day 10-of-15 for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 23-yard pass to sophomore A.J. Love. Senior quarterback Grant Gregory — who was 12-of -14 on the day, connected on a 53-yard pass to Sophomore Dontavia Bogan. He was also the only quarterback out of the three who participated that did not turn the ball over.
"I didn't think we made real good decisions at quarterback. Those turnovers didn't have to happen," Leavitt said. "I'd have to say that Grant played better than Matt today. I don't think there's any question."
For more on Saturday's scrimmage, check out Monday's edition of The Oracle — which was voted the best university daily newspaper at Saturday's Society of Professional Journalists Awards.
-Joe Rienzi
Friday, March 28, 2008
Clutch
Sanford struck out the last two batters with runners on second and third to close out a huge 2-1 win for the Bulls, who now improve to 4-3 in the Big EAST
USF 2- G'Town 1. Top 9th. Fontanez gets standing ovation.
Randy Fontanez is out of the game after pitching eight stellar innings, allowing just four hits and a run. As he left the mound, Fontanez got an standing ovation from the crowd.
Right now we are set for another dramatic ending here at Red McEwen Field, as the Hoyas have runners on second and third with one out and closer Shawn Sanford is about to attempt to get the last two outs.
Tension in the air at Red McEwen Field.
Right now we are set for another dramatic ending here at Red McEwen Field, as the Hoyas have runners on second and third with one out and closer Shawn Sanford is about to attempt to get the last two outs.
Tension in the air at Red McEwen Field.
Fontanez had no hitter for 5 1/3 innings
Randy Fontanez, a USF freshman, had a no hitter through 5 1/3 until an infield single put an end to it just as the fans were starting to think about it.
Right now, in the top of the 7th inning, the Bulls are hanging on to a 2-1 lead.
Right now, in the top of the 7th inning, the Bulls are hanging on to a 2-1 lead.
USF 2- G'town 0. Top 5th
The Bulls are up against the Hoyas more than halfway through the game Maruszak was driven in by Angelberger and Hobbs drove in Lovckwood in the first inning for the only runs in the game so far.
Fontanez looks solid and poised.
Fontanez looks solid and poised.
Former USF volleyball star to be assistant coach
South Florida volleyball coach Claire Lessinger announced Thursday that the team hired a new assistant coach for the 2008 season -- Michelle Collier. She is the only volleyball player with a retired jersey for the University.
“I am very excited about coming home,” Collier said in a press release. “I always knew I would coach after I finished playing, and I couldn’t ask for a better place to start than here at USF. I love Tampa, the school and the athletics program, so I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to start my coaching career at home.”
Collier holds multiple all-time records at USF, including her 2,729 kills and 1,747 digs. Her kills rank fifth all time in NCAA Division I, and she was the first volleyball player from USF to be an All-American.
Collier also played outside of the United States after she graduated from college, which gave her multiple perspectives on the game and how it is played.
“I have been coached by the Chinese, Europeans, Brazilians and others, and they have a lot of different strategies about the game. In hope I will be able to bring what I have learned across the world to USF,” Collier said.
Lessinger said that USF “hit the jackpot” when it hired Collier. “She brings a wealth of playing experience, intense passion for the game, impressive knowledge of the sport, and extreme pride in being a Bull. I look forward to working with her on a daily basis and watching her impact our players.
“She is a natural leader with an impeccable work ethic. She is a perfect fit for this program in so many ways.”
“I am very excited about coming home,” Collier said in a press release. “I always knew I would coach after I finished playing, and I couldn’t ask for a better place to start than here at USF. I love Tampa, the school and the athletics program, so I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to start my coaching career at home.”
Collier holds multiple all-time records at USF, including her 2,729 kills and 1,747 digs. Her kills rank fifth all time in NCAA Division I, and she was the first volleyball player from USF to be an All-American.
Collier also played outside of the United States after she graduated from college, which gave her multiple perspectives on the game and how it is played.
“I have been coached by the Chinese, Europeans, Brazilians and others, and they have a lot of different strategies about the game. In hope I will be able to bring what I have learned across the world to USF,” Collier said.
Lessinger said that USF “hit the jackpot” when it hired Collier. “She brings a wealth of playing experience, intense passion for the game, impressive knowledge of the sport, and extreme pride in being a Bull. I look forward to working with her on a daily basis and watching her impact our players.
“She is a natural leader with an impeccable work ethic. She is a perfect fit for this program in so many ways.”
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Georgetown-USF preview
There are certain games and certain series that determines a team's personality and aspirations.
This is one of those games for the Bulls, as they will try to leave their inconsistencies behind and assert themselves as Big East contenders.
Georgetown is a dangerous below .500 team that is woefully inconsistent but catches fire offensively sometimes.
For those of you who read this blog, I encourage you to post your comments and your opinion: Are the Bulls contenders or pretenders?
This is one of those games for the Bulls, as they will try to leave their inconsistencies behind and assert themselves as Big East contenders.
Georgetown is a dangerous below .500 team that is woefully inconsistent but catches fire offensively sometimes.
For those of you who read this blog, I encourage you to post your comments and your opinion: Are the Bulls contenders or pretenders?
Friday, March 21, 2008
Our picks for the Final Four
March is always a crazy time for college basketball fans everywhere. Many people (myself included) sit by and watch their brackets bust on last second shots (such as the one by Western Kentucky's Ty Roberts) or pure upsets (like San Diego State shocking UCONN at the St. Pete Times Forum today).
The Oracle sports staff, however, is hoping to find some order in the chaos that is the NCAA Tournament. Here are the Staff picks for the Final Four:
Joe Rienzi, Sports Editor:
I've always enjoyed seeing upsets, which is why I love March Madness. My Final Four consists of some teams that people expect to be there, and some that maybe don't belong.
Louisville over Georgetown: Two foes from one of the toughest conferences in the nation battle for a spot in the National Championship game. Rick Pitino has the experience, and his team has the skills to get past the Hoyas for a spot in the title game.
UCLA over Texas: Texas has beaten Memphis once this season, and they will do it again in the Elite Eight. I just don't think Texas has what it takes to get past the Bruins.
National Championship: UCLA 79, Louisville 72: I was bold by picking a score, but I just had to try. I think that Kevin Love will emerge as a star, and carry UCLA to the 'Promised Land'.
Aaron Oberlin, Asst. Sports Editor:
My picks for the Final Four: Georgetown, North Carolina, UCLA, Texas.
Martin Bater, Staff Writer:
Final Four:
N. Carolina 85- Kansas 87
Pittsburgh 83-Duke 73
Championship:
Pittsburgh 80-N. Carolina 76
Carrie Johnson, Staff Writer:
Tennessee: Despite losing in the SEC championship tournament, Tennessee has a legitimate chance of making it to the final four. Tennessee is the only team to defeat Memphis in the regular season. Tennessee’s guard Chris Lofton leads the Vols in scoring of 16.1 points per game. With a strong defense and depth, Tennessee has all the components to pull an upset against No. 1 North Carolina in the Elite 8 to advance to the final four and possible championship game.
Georgetown: The regular season Big East champion Hoyas has a legitimate chance to make it to the final four. Georgetown playmakers Roy Hibbert, DaJuan Summers, and Jonathon Wallace lead the team in scoring averaging double digit points every game and are a few of the reasons the Hoyas have had success in the Big East. Georgetown’s defense will be tested going up against No. 1 Kansas, who averages 81 points per game, and 40% in 3-point field goals this season, in their quest to the championship.
Texas: Texas guard D.J. Augustine is the reason why they will make it to the final four. Augustine averages almost 20 points per game. When Augustine is on his game, it is tough to defeat the Longhorns. Some people thought that Texas wouldn’t be the same since Kevin Durant left to go to the NBA after his record-breaking freshman season. However, Texas went 28-6 during the regular season.
Despite Memphis being No. 1 in the South Bracket, Memphis has failed to deliver in big time games against big time opponents, one of which was to then No. 2 Tennessee where the Tigers lost the game that went down to the wire, going just 8-17 from the free throw line. Poor free throw shooting will be the downfall of the Tigers in the tournament, advancing Texas to the final four.
UCLA: The sole No.1 seed going to the final four is UCLA. Despite losing in the championship game two years ago and in the final four last year both to Florida. Since the Gators are not in the tournament, the Bruins will finally make it over the hill and win their 12th national title. UCLA has relied on freshman center Kevin Love to attain a 31-3 record in the Pac-10. Love averages 17 points and 10 rebounds per game. UCLA’s road to the final four won’t be as difficult as the road for other No.1 seeds. Xavier might give UCLA a hard time, but I think they'll will find a way to get it done and win the championship.
Gotta love the maddness!
Any comments? How about your picks? Let us know what you think.
The Oracle sports staff, however, is hoping to find some order in the chaos that is the NCAA Tournament. Here are the Staff picks for the Final Four:
Joe Rienzi, Sports Editor:
I've always enjoyed seeing upsets, which is why I love March Madness. My Final Four consists of some teams that people expect to be there, and some that maybe don't belong.
Louisville over Georgetown: Two foes from one of the toughest conferences in the nation battle for a spot in the National Championship game. Rick Pitino has the experience, and his team has the skills to get past the Hoyas for a spot in the title game.
UCLA over Texas: Texas has beaten Memphis once this season, and they will do it again in the Elite Eight. I just don't think Texas has what it takes to get past the Bruins.
National Championship: UCLA 79, Louisville 72: I was bold by picking a score, but I just had to try. I think that Kevin Love will emerge as a star, and carry UCLA to the 'Promised Land'.
Aaron Oberlin, Asst. Sports Editor:
My picks for the Final Four: Georgetown, North Carolina, UCLA, Texas.
Martin Bater, Staff Writer:
Final Four:
N. Carolina 85- Kansas 87
Pittsburgh 83-Duke 73
Championship:
Pittsburgh 80-N. Carolina 76
Carrie Johnson, Staff Writer:
Tennessee: Despite losing in the SEC championship tournament, Tennessee has a legitimate chance of making it to the final four. Tennessee is the only team to defeat Memphis in the regular season. Tennessee’s guard Chris Lofton leads the Vols in scoring of 16.1 points per game. With a strong defense and depth, Tennessee has all the components to pull an upset against No. 1 North Carolina in the Elite 8 to advance to the final four and possible championship game.
Georgetown: The regular season Big East champion Hoyas has a legitimate chance to make it to the final four. Georgetown playmakers Roy Hibbert, DaJuan Summers, and Jonathon Wallace lead the team in scoring averaging double digit points every game and are a few of the reasons the Hoyas have had success in the Big East. Georgetown’s defense will be tested going up against No. 1 Kansas, who averages 81 points per game, and 40% in 3-point field goals this season, in their quest to the championship.
Texas: Texas guard D.J. Augustine is the reason why they will make it to the final four. Augustine averages almost 20 points per game. When Augustine is on his game, it is tough to defeat the Longhorns. Some people thought that Texas wouldn’t be the same since Kevin Durant left to go to the NBA after his record-breaking freshman season. However, Texas went 28-6 during the regular season.
Despite Memphis being No. 1 in the South Bracket, Memphis has failed to deliver in big time games against big time opponents, one of which was to then No. 2 Tennessee where the Tigers lost the game that went down to the wire, going just 8-17 from the free throw line. Poor free throw shooting will be the downfall of the Tigers in the tournament, advancing Texas to the final four.
UCLA: The sole No.1 seed going to the final four is UCLA. Despite losing in the championship game two years ago and in the final four last year both to Florida. Since the Gators are not in the tournament, the Bruins will finally make it over the hill and win their 12th national title. UCLA has relied on freshman center Kevin Love to attain a 31-3 record in the Pac-10. Love averages 17 points and 10 rebounds per game. UCLA’s road to the final four won’t be as difficult as the road for other No.1 seeds. Xavier might give UCLA a hard time, but I think they'll will find a way to get it done and win the championship.
Gotta love the maddness!
Any comments? How about your picks? Let us know what you think.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Bulls win it in the 9th
a single to deep CF with 1 out and a runner on third was all that USF needed to pull off yet another miraculous comeback. USF is now 10-5 overall and 2-0 in the Big East.
USF will try to get the sweep tomorrow at 1 P.M
USF will try to get the sweep tomorrow at 1 P.M
8th inning. USF 6- Seton Hall 6
The Bulls keep coming back. Seton Hall's head coach must be ripping out his hair right now.
The Pirates came right back with 3 runs in the top of the seventh, but what was a 6-4lead dissapeared in the eighth thanks to a two run home run by Joey Angelberger.
USF seems to have nine lives, and it isn't afraid to use them.
The Pirates came right back with 3 runs in the top of the seventh, but what was a 6-4lead dissapeared in the eighth thanks to a two run home run by Joey Angelberger.
USF seems to have nine lives, and it isn't afraid to use them.
Midgame Report. Seton Hall 3- USF 4. 7TH Inning
USF just got three runs in the bottom of the 6th to finish the comeback from a 3-0 deficit, but I've got the feeling that neithe team is done having a say in the way this second game o a day/night doubleheader will turn out.
RF Brian Hobbs hit a two-run homer to tie the game and LF Chris Rey also hit a solo shot in the 5th.
Seton Hall's starting pitcher is out of the game, but USF starter Randy Fontanez is still out there, but this is probably his last inning.
RF Brian Hobbs hit a two-run homer to tie the game and LF Chris Rey also hit a solo shot in the 5th.
Seton Hall's starting pitcher is out of the game, but USF starter Randy Fontanez is still out there, but this is probably his last inning.
Seton Hall 4- USF 6. Heated game, unbelievable ending
USF shortstop and cleanup hitter Addison Maruszack hit a two run walkoff Home Run to left field in the 9th inning with two outs to give the Bulls their 6th straight victory and its first Big East win as well.
USF is oficially on a roll and improves to 9-5 overall.
The second part of the doubleheader will be played in 45 minutes, since last night's game was canceled due to inclement weather.
USF is oficially on a roll and improves to 9-5 overall.
The second part of the doubleheader will be played in 45 minutes, since last night's game was canceled due to inclement weather.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Baseball report: Solid offense + stellar pitching = Fifth straight win
the USF baseball team is on a roll. The Bulls earned their fifth straight win with a solid 7-1 victory over the University of North Florida that took them to 8-5 for the season.
Up next for USF: vs Seton Hall Pirates in the Big East opener. The Oracle will be back on Monday with full coverage of the series.
Up next for USF: vs Seton Hall Pirates in the Big East opener. The Oracle will be back on Monday with full coverage of the series.
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